Monkey Cups barista standard reusable cups

We are on a mission to turn the tide on single-use plastic cups that are invading our environment.

Our Story

Monkey Cups, our new Irish designed barista standard coffee cups, began with a sketch on Mailo's kitchen table, fuelled by her passion to turn the tide on single-use plastic waste that is invading our environment by creating a reusable, fun alternative.

With years of experience within the design, hospitality, food and beverage sectors, she had seen the growth of the coffee culture and the growing need to provide an alternative to disposable cups for coffee on the go. Inspired by the 100th Monkey Phenomenon of Social Change - the idea that once a certain number of a group start using a new habit, it will be taken up instinctively by all.

100th MONKEY PHENOMENON

In 1952 on the Island of Koshima, Japan, scientists began feeding the native Macaque Monkeys - also known as Snow Monkeys - sweet potatoes on the beaches as part of a new study.

During 1952 and 1953 the monkeys developed several innovative new habits, one of which was invented by an 18 month old female named Imo.

Imo discovered that sand and grit could be removed from the sweet potatoes by washing them in the ocean. Imo’s Mother and playmates learned this new habit from her and soon it spread to other members of the family group. Unlike most food habits which are passed down from parents to their young.

According to Watson, the potato-washing habit spread gradually up until 1958. Then in the autumn of that year, a remarkable change occurred on Koshima which formed the basis of the Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon.

According to reports once a critical number of monkeys had learned the potato washing habit - say 100, all monkeys on the Island copied it. Suddenly monkeys on other islands started washing their sweet potatoes too.

By choosing to reuse, you might be the ‘100th Monkey’ the one that turns the tide on single-use plastic and inspires everyone to change from disposable to reusable.

Together we can turn the tide on single-use plastic cups that are invading our environment.